AFL breakouts

So far in 2017 we have had tight finishes, combative umpiring decisions, high scores and a major change to the standard style of game.

What once was a contested-based sport is now a fast-running high transitioning sport, with the ability to change from attack to defence the ultimate necessity.

The 21st century has also seen the introduction of zones, but that’s a subject for another article. Nonetheless, with these sudden changes era after era, some players tend to struggle with the changed style, while other players begin to blossom.

After just a fortnight in what is going to be an ultra-competitive year, which players look to be taking that next step in their careers?

Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

No second-year blues here; Clayton Oliver has already taken the season by the scruff of the neck with an average of 35.5 possessions and eight tackles per game. The 19-year-old has led the way for the Demons in the opening fortnight and has been a mainstay in their new and improved midfield. His efficiency is something that has really stood out so far, which is something he worked hard on over the off-season. 88 per cent against the Saints and 80 per cent against the Blues the week after is an efficiency that screams swift improvement.

Will Hoskin-Elliott (Collingwood)

There hasn’t been much to like about the Pies in the first two weeks of the season, but something they will be pleased about is the improvement of the 2011 No.4 draft pick. 22 touches and a goal playing across half forward against the reigning premier was respectful, but to back that up with 21 disposals, 12 marks and three final-quarter goals against the Tigers showed us the talent GWS originally saw in him. Whether he can keep this up is the big question, but after averaging just 11.2 touches in his 52 games with the Giants, Hoskin-Elliot seems ready to explode.

Touk Miller (Gold Coast)

Another player who is standing out from a disappointing start by his teammates, Touk Miller is a 21-year-old who is countering the talk behind the Suns’ so far lacklustre midfield performance. With the inclusions of Michael Barlow and Jarryd Lyons, and the return of injured stars David Swallow and Gary Ablett, a spot on the flanks looked likely. But for Miller – who has shown promise since his 22-game debut season in 2015 – it is a year where he wants to prove his doubters wrong. Miller’s ability to cover the entirety of the ground will have him as one of the most damaging players in the competition in no time. He has tallied 27 disposals with five tackles in each of his two games so far. No other Suns player is showing the consistency.

Sam Powell-Pepper (Port Adelaide)

It’s not everyday a club finds a young gun who has an immediate impact on his team. Port have found just the prospect. Powell-Pepper is averaging 22 disposals and three tackles in his first two games of AFL, and he hasn’t looked like taking a step back. He, along with other 2017 debutants Brett Eddy and Dan Houston, could be the hidden reason behind Port Adelaide’s sudden revival from their dismal 2016 campaign. Powell-Pepper is the current favourite to take out this year’s NAB Rising Star award, and for good reason.

Dan Butler (Richmond)

The Tigers haven’t done much wrong in their first two hit-outs of the season. All they can do is beat their opponents, and whether it’s convincing or not shouldn’t deter the attention away from the improvements they have made. Dan Butler’s career was given a lifeline after a solid season in the VFL, where he showcased his deadly pace and clever goal-sense for North Ballarat. Debuting in Round 1 against Carlton, Butler was one of many Tigers who had something to prove. 19 disposals, two goals and three tackles was enough to earn him another spot the following week. The clash against Collingwood wasn’t superior, but Richmond have been crying out for small forwards and different avenues to goal for too long. This 20-year-old fits the bill.

Zach Merrett (Essendon)

Some may say that the 2016 season was Merrett’s ‘break-out’, but an extra pre-season and an average of 34.5 disposals over the first two games has him quickly touted as a potential Brownlow roughie. It was difficult at first to see whether Merrett could maintain his 2016 form into the new year with the return of many stars, but that has only driven him to excel even more. 37 and 32 possessions in rounds 1-2 respectively is enough to suggest his 657-possession season in 2016 was not a one-off. An elite user of the ball, the 21-year-old is one of the best young midfielders in the game and is a massive chance to take out back-to-back Chrichton Medals if his striking form can continue.

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